Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? Here's help

Updated 3:42 pm, Saturday, December 15, 2012

Photo: One Kings Lane

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Photo: One Kings Lane

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Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 1 Wrap a ribbon, string or tape measure around the box and add 2 inches. Cut the paper that wide. To determine the length of the paper, wrap the string from the table on one end, over the box and to the table on the other end. Place the box face down on the paper and wrap the paper around the box. Place the seam near one edge and secure to the box with double-stick tape. Wrap the other piece around and secure with double-stick tape. Run your thumb and forefinger along the edges of the box to lightly crease the paper.

Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 1 Wrap a ribbon, string or tape measure around the box and add 2 inches. Cut the paper that wide. To determine the length of the paper, wrap the string from the table on one end,

Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 2 With the box face down, fold the top edge down toward the bottom. For a smooth finish and crisp corners, trim any excess that extends past the bottom of the box.

Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 2 With the box face down, fold the top edge down toward the bottom. For a smooth finish and crisp corners, trim any excess that extends past the bottom of the box.

Photo: Courtesy Claire McCracken

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Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 3 Fold in the left and right sides, securing with double-sided tape.

Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 3 Fold in the left and right sides, securing with double-sided tape.

Photo: Courtesy Claire McCracken

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Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 4 Tape down the flap with double-sided tape. Add a ribbon. If you haven't completed our bow-tying lesson, finish with a simple knot.

Holiday Help Gift Wrap Step 4 Tape down the flap with double-sided tape. Add a ribbon. If you haven't completed our bow-tying lesson, finish with a simple knot.

Photo: Courtesy Claire McCracken

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How to make a basic bow Step 1: Cut a length of double-faced ribbon or wire-edge ribbon. . Form into two equal loops.

How to make a basic bow Step 1: Cut a length of double-faced ribbon or wire-edge ribbon. . Form into two equal loops.

Photo: The Container Store

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How to make a basic bow Step 2:Cross the right loop over the left loop.

How to make a basic bow Step 2:Cross the right loop over the left loop.

Photo: The Container Store

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How to make a basic bow Step 3: Knot the loops by pushing the right loop beneath the left, then pull the loop under and through the hole.

How to make a basic bow Step 3: Knot the loops by pushing the right loop beneath the left, then pull the loop under and through the hole.

Photo: The Container Store

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How to make a basic bow Step 4: Pull the knot tight and adjust the loops and tails to the same size. Use scissors to trim the ends of ribbon. Attach the bow to the package with double-sided tape.

How to make a basic bow Step 4: Pull the knot tight and adjust the loops and tails to the same size. Use scissors to trim the ends of ribbon. Attach the bow to the package with double-sided tape.

Photo: The Container Store

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The holidays are an occasion for fine china and a pretty table. Now where does the fork go? Diane Gottsman, founder of San Antonio’s Protocol School of Texas, puts all the pieces in their proper places.

The holidays are an occasion for fine china and a pretty table. Now where does the fork go? Diane Gottsman, founder of San Antonio’s Protocol School of Texas, puts all the pieces in their proper places.

Photo: Harry Thomas

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A glass of sparkling wine during a tasting in New York, Nov. 21, 2012. Many American winemakers try to make sparkling wines, but few can produce anything that can come close to competing with Champagne.

A glass of sparkling wine during a tasting in New York, Nov. 21, 2012. Many American winemakers try to make sparkling wines, but few can produce anything that can come close to competing with Champagne.

Photo: RICHARD PERRY, New York Times

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Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? Here's help

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When your schedule is overflowing — and whose isn't during the holidays? — no one wants the frustration of fussing with the unfamiliar.

Not gifted at gift-wrapping? Don't fret. Just grab your boxes, paper, scissors and tape (double-stick if you really want to look like a pro) and some pretty ribbon. Follow the step-by-step instructions for wrapping and bow tying.

We've got you covered for setting the table and giving a toast, too.

Here's to you and happy holidays.

Wrap it up

Put even simple presents in pretty packages and shine a little brighter in the eyes of those on your gift list. It's all in the presentation.

1. Determine how wide to cut the paper by wrapping a ribbon, string or tape measure around the box and adding 2 inches. To determine the length of the paper, wrap the string from the table on one end, over the box and to the table on the other end. Place the box face down on the paper and wrap the paper around the box. Place the seam near one edge and secure to the box with double-stick tape. Wrap the other piece around and secure with double-stick tape. Run your thumb and forefinger along the edges of the box to lightly crease the paper.

• Remember the four S's: stand, smile, speak and sit. After raising your glass and making eye contact, say something heartfelt, take a sip and take a seat.

• Keep it short and sweet. "A toast should be brief but meaningful," Gottsman writes on her blog, www.DianeGottsman.com. "Mention a special accomplishment, an admirable quality or tell a brief story. The goal is to be short, sweet and sincere."

• Modesty, please. Drinking a toast to yourself is considered inappropriate. If you are being toasted, simply smile, nod and say thank you.